Portland State University (PSU) and Multnomah County Library (MCL) will collaborate on research designed to improve library practices, programs, and services for adult patrons, especially adults with low literacy skills, including seniors, English learners, socially isolated adults, and adults with low incomes. The project features the administration of the “Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments” (PSTRE) survey developed by the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The research will inform efforts to improve the nation’s education and workforce development strategies and investments and ensure that libraries are an integral part of these efforts.
Pushing the Limits: Making Sense of Science (PTL) is an NSF-funded program designed to build the capacity of rural and small libraries to provide programming to enhance public understanding of science and math. PTL provides professional support, technical assistance, specially produced video segments, and funding for library professionals and their local science partners to co-facilitate a series of science café-style public discussions with adult patrons. In Phase I of the PTL project (September 2012-August 2013), 20 rural and small libraries piloted the program. In Phase II (September 2013
Pushing the Limits: Making Sense of Science (PTL) is an NSF-funded program designed to build the capacity of rural and small libraries to enhance public understanding of science and math. The program provides professional support, technical assistance, and funding for librarians and local science partners to co-facilitate a series of science café-style guided public discussions with adult patrons using books and specially produced video segments. External evaluator Goodman Research Group, Inc. conducted the second formative evaluation, focusing on the professional development (PD) for the